Attractions and Places To See around Herisau - Top 20

Herisau is nestled in a charming hilly landscape, offering scenic views and opportunities for outdoor activities. The Glatt River flows through the town, adding to its natural appeal. You can also find numerous well-marked hiking trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints, cascading waterfalls, and serene lakes. From areas like Herisau-Wilen to Rechberg, Buechschachen, and Lutzenland, you can enjoy extensive views of the rolling hills, the Alpstein massif, and Lake Constance.

Yes, Herisau is an excellent base for hiking. The surrounding area features numerous well-marked trails. For more challenging mountain hikes, consider routes like the one from Jakobsbad to Kronberg Summit or the Restaurant at Hundwiler Höhi. You can find various mountain hiking routes in the region, such as those listed in the Mountain Hikes around Herisau guide.

Herisau boasts several historical sites. Explore the Old Town Centre with its noteworthy factory houses and alleys, including Haus Wetter and Haus zur Rose from 1737. You can also visit the Chapel of St. James, first mentioned in 1464, located below the Kronberg peak. Don't miss Schwänberg, the oldest settlement in the Appenzell region, featuring an unusual timber-framed old town hall from 1630. The ruins of Rosenberg and Rosenburg castles also offer a glimpse into Herisau's past.

The Herisau Museum, housed in the old town hall, provides fascinating insights into the cultural history of Appenzell Ausserrhoden from the Middle Ages to the present day. It covers the lives of weavers, factory owners, and merchants, and features unique objects illustrating the history of education and exquisite painted Appenzell furniture. There's also a special section dedicated to author Robert Walser, who spent time in Herisau.

Yes, Herisau offers several family-friendly options. The Sedel Kinderparadies (Kid's Paradise) provides a variety of rides and swings. The Sonnenberg Lido features a giant-dragon slide and water channel, complementing a sports center with an indoor pool. For more active fun, there's the Krombach Minigolf Course and Vitaparcours. Nearby, Kronberg Summit is also considered family-friendly, offering panoramic views and a mountain restaurant.

For stunning panoramic views, head to Kronberg Summit, where you can see Lake Constance, Säntis, and Alpstein. Another excellent spot is the Restaurant at Hundwiler Höhi, which offers a fantastic view of the Alps and the northern lowlands. Hikes from Herisau-Wilen to Rechberg, Buechschachen, and Lutzenland also provide extensive views of the rolling hills, the Alpstein massif, and Lake Constance.

Beyond the Herisau Museum, you can explore the Cultural Trail through Herisau, which highlights architectural peculiarities and charming details of the town. The Walser-Brunnen fountain at Oberdorf honors the poet Robert Walser. Herisau is also known for its artisanal workshops, where you can observe skilled craftsmen creating wood carvings, embroidery, and lacework, showcasing traditional Swiss craftsmanship.

Herisau and the Appenzell region are beautiful year-round. For hiking and outdoor activities, late spring to early autumn (May to October) generally offers the most pleasant weather. During these months, trails are typically clear, and the landscapes are vibrant. Winter also offers opportunities for snow-related activities in the surrounding mountains.

Yes, the hilly Appenzell region around Herisau is well-suited for mountain biking. You can find various routes, such as the 'Hilly Appenzell region – Fuchsacker Restaurant loop from Schachen' or the 'Nieschberg Viewpoint – Nieschberg Trail loop from Herisau AB'. More details on routes can be found in the MTB Trails around Herisau guide.

While many trails in the Appenzell region can be moderate, there are options for easier walks. The hilly landscape offers numerous well-marked trails, and you can often find shorter, less strenuous paths that still provide beautiful views. Look for trails with lower elevation gains or shorter distances if you prefer an easier experience.

Yes, Herisau is home to several picturesque covered wooden bridges. You can find these charming historical structures in locations such as Kubel, Hundwilertobel, and Wissenbachtobel, offering great photo opportunities and a glimpse into traditional Swiss architecture.

Herisau is a great base for exploring the wider Appenzell region. Popular excursions include visiting the impressive mountain Kronberg or Säntis for stunning mountain landscapes. You could also visit the Appenzeller® Show Dairy to learn about cheese production, or Maestrani's Chocolarium for a sweet experience. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of St. Gallen, with its Abbey Library, is also just 10 km away.